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PlaneTalk
Vol.2 Issue 4 April 2015
from The Saskatchewan Aviation Historical Society (SAHS)
Camp Borden – Birthplace of the RCAF
Camp Borden – now Canadian Forces Base Borden – in Ontario
was the birthplace of military aviation in Canada.
The Saskatchewan Aviation Historical Society is proud to
announce our Sod Turning Ceremony to mark the start of the
Saskatchewan Aviation Museum and Learning Centre.
Date and time: 19 May, 2015 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Location: Hangar 30 Site, 2721 Koyle Ave.
Immediately south of the SIIT/Saskatchewan Polytechnic Hangar
Vintage and historical aircraft will be on display.
Platform guests will represent friends of the project:
Young people are especially welcome.
There will be complimentary cake and coffee.
Please join us in our celebration.
RSVP by e-mail no later than May 10, 2015 to: [email protected]
In January 1917, a group of Royal Flying Corps officers from
Great Britain, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Cuthbert Hoare,
arrived at Camp Borden, which had been used as a camp by the
Canadian Expeditionary Force the previous year. Under
Lieutenant-Colonel Hoare’s leadership, the organization known
as the Royal Flying Corps Canada (RFC Canada) built Canada’s
first flying station from the ground up and trained thousands of
air and ground crew for service overseas.
The aerodrome portion of Borden, which had remained empty
since January 1919, was taken over by the CAF in July 1920. By
the time the RCAF was formed on April 1, 1924, RCAF Station
Borden was the most important station in terms of assets,
personnel and flying activities.
On Wednesday, April 1, 2015, the Royal Canadian Air Force
celebrated its 91st birthday.
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The Forgotten Pilots
**NEW**
Flight Simmer’s Corner
With the former Microsoft Flight Simulator series effectively
shut down years ago and the free-to-play
experiment Microsoft Flight being abandoned, it would be easy
to assume the series doesn't have a future. In fact, there are
big plans for the franchise, but not from Microsoft: Dovetail
Games, the studio responsible for the Train Simulator series,
has announced that it has secured the rights to the series and
plans to both re-release one of the series' best games and to
March, 1976, Canadian Aviation
develop new ones.
Dovetail's announcement today is for a global licensing deal
It’s been 35 years since the British Government found that
civilians, many of them disabled or too old for combat duty, could
ferry the most sophisticated warplanes from the factories to the
air bases. Not a few of these pilots of the little-known Air
Transport Auxiliary were Canadians, and women, like Marion Orr.
with Microsoft. What that means is the company now owns the
rights to develop new games using the technology from
Microsoft's games--rights it plans to put to use by releasing a
new game of some sort in 2015.
When Marion learned to fly in 1939, flight tests were given by a
stern Department of Transport inspector, not by an approachable
flying club instructor. During her spin test, the engine of Marion’s
Cub stopped. She made a dead-stick landing in front of the
inspector, who allowed that it had been an acceptable
performance.
She instructed at Toronto’s Barker Field—since overrun by
housing—and then worked in the Control tower of the civilianoperated flying training school at Golderich, Ontario. Then, with
400 hours in her logbook, she signed up at Dorval, Quebec.
The Harvard was the first airplane Marion had flown with a
constant-speed propeller and retractable gear. Its approach speed
was as fast as the cruise speed of what she’d been flying
previously. In England, she was given quick training in Magisters
and Tiger Moths. Later, she would rate the Tiger as the trickiest of
the 65 types she flew, more difficult than the Beaufighter or the
2,180 hp Tempest.
Since pilots couldn’t be given courses in every type of aircraft, the
70 most common types were divided into six classes. Nothing
special about that—until it was decided that if pilots were given
flying training on one aircraft of each class, they should without
further tuition be able to fly all other types in the class. How’s that
for having confidence in people? The system worked because
each pilot had a superlative Blue Book developed by ex-BOAC
staff. Crammed into 4×6-inch sheets were vital actions and crucial
advice on more than 70 types.
Marion remembers sitting in the cockpit of a Spitfire reading the
Blue Book after the instructor said, “You’re on your own.” Marion
explains, “you just studied the book, started up and hoped for the
best.
Con’t Page 3
While working on that new project, Dovetail will re-release
2006's Flight Simulator X: Gold Edition--the final game in the
proper Flight Simulator series, pictured above and to the right-through Steam. Known as Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Steam
Edition, this version of the game will include all of the content
from the Deluxe Edition and the Acceleration expansion pack.
It's expected out on PC in "late 2014." We don't yet know
whether the game will sport any improvements or additions
(be it a visual overhaul or support for Steam features), but
we've contacted Dovetail to learn more.
Con’t Page 3
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Con’t from Forgotten Pilots Page 2
We had been cautioned about overheating on the ground, so I
hurried out. On take-off I was pressed so hard into the seat I
couldn’t move. I was at four thousand feet before I knew it.”
There was no time for practice or aerobatics. Just go from A to B
and don’t bend the machine. Even so, Joan Hughes, a diminutive
British girl, once impressed Avro workers by looping a 50-ton
Lancaster over the factory.
All flying was by Visual Flight Rules, however, in priority cases
pilots were allowed to go when they
liked. Of such a day, Miss Lettice Curtis writes in her fascinating
description of the life of the ferry pilots, The Forgotten Pilots, “All
(the pilots) had frightened themselves in a way that is known only
to those who, of their own free will, pit their lives against the
clearness of their thinking. And there can be few things more
frightening than finding oneself committed to chasing through the
sky, in an aeroplane from which the downward view is at the best
of times not too hot, pressed on by greyness, knowing that if a
reference with the ground is lost even for an instant, one’s
chances of a safe return to earth are not worth the proverbial row
of beans. Yet such is human judgement that in most cases the
balance between ultra-caution and undue risk was accurately hit.”
Each morning the pilots gathered at the ferry pool for chits, which
gave aircraft type and destination. Marion always tried to get a
Spitfire because she loved its light controls. Pilots weren’t allowed
to mark the position of balloons or new airfields on their maps.
These positions were on a master map and pilots had to memorize
such things before take-off. Once Marion forgot and was shot at
as she strayed over a Royal Navy base.
Con’t from Flight Simmers Corner Page 2
This announcement comes just days after
Microsoft announced that online multiplayer servers for
Microsoft Flight would be shut down this October, although
the single-player will remain "largely intact." Fans still playing
will already have become accustomed to not getting any new
content, as Microsoft ceased development on the title in 2012.
Prior to that, in 2009, Microsoft shut down Aces Studio, the
former publisher of the Flight Simulator series, signaling what
appeared at the time to be the end of the series.
Head of Xbox Phil Spencer has spoken this year about
Microsoft's recommitment to PC gaming. While these Flight
Simulator developments aren't internal projects, at least
Microsoft has chosen to hand the franchise off to a studio with
an established history of making simulator games.
Are you still interested in the Flight Simulator series?
Therapy Dog Program Launched at YXE!
Saskatoon, SK: Friday the 13th seems like a perfect day for the
After her contract was up, Marion Orr returned to Canada and
th
earned a helicopter rating, the 36 woman to do so. She bought
Aero Activities and set up a flying school at Maple, northwest of
Toronto. She later sold the school and followed her sister to
Florida. But she missed flying, and after 10 years she has returned
to Canada, regaining her instructor’s rating.
This article originally appeared in the March, 1973
edition of Canadian Aviation magazine.
Saskatoon Airport Authority (SAA) to launch their stress
reducing Therapy Dog program! “Fridays are a busy travel day
and as we enter into the spring break, the airport will be even
busier.” comments Stephen Maybury, President & CEO at the
SAA, “The Airport is a perfect setting,” continues Maybury.
“For some, air travel can be stressful. We want the experience
to be as positive as possible.”
The Therapy Dog program is designed to reduce anxiety and
tension in many settings. Coordinated through St. John
Ambulance (SJA), the dogs come in all shapes and sizesbreed and gender are not important. The dogs qualify through
a national certification process and can then be available for
programs in facilities such as hospitals, schools and
universities.
Con’t Page 4
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Con’t Saskatoon Airport Authority from page 3
More recently, the benefits of the program are being seen in
airports.
“These dogs thrive in environments where they can brighten
the day of those they meet,” comments Ashley Balysky,
Community Services Coordinator with the SJA. “Studies have
Finally the snow is gone, and the Saskatoon Soaring Club is poised
to start flying on April 18. The planes at Cudworth have been
inspected by our AME and we are roaring to go. Our Winch was
also serviced and it is just waiting for the few brave to take us up.
shown the benefits are both physical and emotional, with most
(benefits) providing a degree of relaxation.”
In the recent past we have talked about the SSC planes and
launching methods, this occasion I would like to describe our
operations, especially at the beginning of the season.
Every year the SSC has a qualified AME inspect the club’s planes.
It is typically done on a Saturday so members can come,
participate, help and learn. That day, in addition to assisting with
the plane handling, members also do a general clean up to the
hangar, and minor maintenance on our winch, golf cart, mowers,
radios, etc. The weekend after this takes place, we usually have
instructors and licensed pilots perform currency check flights. The
check flights consist of some time behind the sticks to get a reacquainted with the plane, piloting and operations. These include
a good review at desirable flying habits plus recover procedures.
After the check flights are done, instructors resume work with
students and also some flying for themselves. Spring is a busy time
as it is typically the best season for soaring and cross country
flying and everybody wants to get in the air to catch some
boomers! It is also a good time to get the winch out as crops are
down, and the winch can be set up on a field, way ahead of the
end of the runway, in order to maximize the cable run to the
glider and the certainty of better and higher launches.
It is worth mentioning the SSC offers flights at $20 each (when
using the winch)!!!! It is not only super exciting, but also has a
good chance of offering a good soaring flight because of the
Spring conditions for thermals.
We also have the Ground School going every Wednesday (from 7
to 9 PM) at the SIAST Building across from Millennium’s hangar for
4 more weeks. If you are interested, just show up for a session or
two to see what is all about. We have a flying schedule at our
webpage http://www.soar.sk.ca/ssc/ . If you are interested, check
it out and make sure we are flying that day, and you are more
than welcome to swing over, either drive or fly your way to our
field for a day of good flying fun.
More Info: John Toles ([email protected])
by; Fernando Garza
While the sky was blue and the temperature was perfect,
Mother Nature was letting the winds blow today. We were
only able to complete 8 flights, for a total of 24 cadets flown
before the winds reached a velocity that made continued flying
unsafe.
Some are likely upset they did not get to fly. Here is a phrase
that has kept me alive and out of trouble for the 12 years I
have been a pilot: It is better to be on the ground, wishing you
were in there air, than in the air, wishing you were on the
ground.
Safety is always my number one consideration when it comes
to cadets, and I know the parents and guardians that entrust
their children to my care appreciate that priority.
The cadets and family were still able to tour various airplanes,
including a former Submarine Hunter turned Fire Suppression
machine - DeHavilland Tracker. Special thanks to the
Saskatchewan Aviation Historical Society for accommodating
us today.
Depending on schedules and finances, we may reschedule this
for later in the Spring/early Summer.
Capt. Beaven
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The Prairie Heritage Air Show Society
**New Section***
New Pilots Corner
brought to you by:
Millennium Aviation and Mitchinson Flight Center
are joining forces to congratulate all the NEW solo pilots.
We ask you to join us in congratulating all the “New Pilots”
Everything is looking good for the 2015 Air Fair.
Maid in the Shade and Sentimental Journey from the Arizona
Wing of the Commemorative Air Force have confirmed their
attendance and we look forward to hosting them. We hope you
can come too!
Dalibor Kovacic
Kailah Webster
Connor Kilduff
Dane Oram
Justin Jenkins
Max Taylor
Also Included
Aimee Tremblay - 1st Solo
Rachel Pepin - 1st Solo
Blair Thiemann - passed
multi ride
Russ Schroeder - 1st solo
Daniel Cotton - Night Rating
Air travel can be very stressful and we want all of our passengers
at YQR to have a positive experience. The Therapy Dog program is
designed to reduce anxiety and tension in many settings. The
program is managed and monitored through St. John Ambulance
and the dogs are qualified through a national certification process.
are the following!
Derek Smith - Night Rating
Dane Oram - 1st solo
Luke Ford-Matchett - Night
Anton Tontchev - Night
James Dyck - Night Rating
Geoff Barrie - Night Rating
Eric Lalonde - Night Rating
Congratulations to all the new pilots!
For further information on the dog therapy program and the
training protocols in place for the handler and their animal as well
as any concerns, please contact St. John Ambulance directly or
send an email to [email protected].
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From the Files:
Thousands attended Moose Jaw's first air show in 1930
Moose Jaw Times-Herald, 07/05/2002.
This article appears with the permission of the author, Moose Jaw historian Leith
Knight. This article originally appeared in the Moose Jaw Times-Herald on July 5,
2002
Just 11 years after the first plane reached Moose Jaw -- and that
flying machine arrived and left in a packing crate in a CPR freight
car -- the newly organized Moose Jaw Flying Club staged its first
annual air show, on July 5, 1930.
The show was a rare opportunity to bring thousands of visitors to
the city and impress them with Moose Jaw's rapidly-developing air
service. The Great Depression was just getting under way and
making itself felt in all lines of business, and Moose Jaw needed all
the horn-blowing it could get.
George M. Ross, president of the flying club, called for local
support of the air meet. "I would like to appeal to all citizens to
get behind the Moose Jaw Flying Club and demonstrate to the
outside world just how air-minded we are in Moose Jaw.
The venue of the show was Rosedale Airport on Caribou Street
West, now the site of PFRA (Prairie Farm Rehabilitation
Administration) and a postwar housing development. For those
who did not possess a car, the Moose Jaw Street Railway provided
bus service from the corner of Main and High Streets for 25 cents
return.
Since the air meet was expected to attract thousands, booths
were set up along Caribou Street from Ninth Avenue to the airport
to facilitate ticket sales, and a large contingent of volunteers was
on hand to direct traffic. Loudspeakers were strung along the
south side of the airfield, and Billy Ward, a well-known radio
personality in the Moose Jaw area, stood by to introduce the
pilots and provide a running commentary.
More than 20,000 spectators turned out to witness "the finest
exhibition of flying in the West." R.W. "Dick" Ryan, flying club
instructor and local high school teacher, was responsible for
organizing the event.
The air show opened with a grand fly-past with 28 aircraft of all
shapes and sizes taking off, one at a time, at 20-second intervals.
In the lead plane, a Gypsy Moth, was pilot Dick Ryan and
passenger Mayor James Pascoe of Moose Jaw. The last plane in
the fly-past was a big 10-passenger, tri-motor Fokker which
carried the members of City Council. Prior to and following the air
show, the Fokker was available for short flights over the city at $2
per person.
After the fly-past, the air show got down to business with an
altitude climbing contest. At a given signal, the contestant took off
and climbed to a required height of 1,500 feet.
When this was reached, the pilot landed as quickly as possible.
J.W. Windrum of Saskatoon won the event with a time of three
minutes, six seconds.
He also won the dead-stick landing event, in which each
contestant was required to climb to 1,500 feet, shut off the
motor and coast to a landing as near as possible to a given
mark.
As soon as stunt pilot Captain Vern Roberts of Moline, Illinois
climbed into his Monocoupe "Little Sweetheart," the crowd
knew there were thrills ahead. Roberts ascended to 1,000 feet
and then put his compact machine into a series of loops, doing
at least ten before turning his attention to stall turns, spins and
flying upside down.
Then he pointed his machine down on the airport and flying
with engine full out, dived to within 75 feet of the ground
before pulling the plane up and into an almost-vertical climb.
"There was nothing in the bag of tricks that Roberts did not
perform," reported the Evening Times, "and when he landed
his machine he was given a great ovation by the many
thousands present at the meet."
Another stunt pilot, Captain J.D. Parkinson of Calgary, at the
controls of his silver Curtiss-Reid Rambler, climbed to a height
of 2,000 feet and went into loops, spirals and dives that kept
most spectators in a state of terrified excitement. Especially
spectacular was his side-slip dive in which the plane rolled from
side to side as it descended for a landing. Parachutist Charles
Collins of Aurora, Illinois, added more thrills by jumping from
2,000, 1,000 and 800 feet. Among other events were a balloonbursting contest, bombing contest -- the "bombs" were brown
paper bags filled with lime, and a Gypsy Moth race.
In the evening, there was a demonstration of glider flying – the
first such flight attempted in Saskatchewan. The glider was
catapulted into the air by shock-cord, but the demonstration
was not as successful as hoped because there was not a breath
of windto give it lift.
The day concluded with a jitney dance to the music of Art
Fullford's eight-piece band, on the newly-laid floor of the
hangar. For the guests of the flying club, pilots and those who
took part in the events, there was a banquet in the new Grant
Hall Hotel.
The 1930 air show, although a far cry from today's air
extravaganzas, was one of the few good things to come out of
that depressed period. No spectator ever forgot the
excitement, thrills and crowds of that day.
Much credit for its success went to Dick Ryan, who later
became an important personage in Canada's airline industry,
retiring in 1965 as executive vice president of Canadian Pacific
Airlines.
* FROM THE FILES The Leader-Post, Thursday,May 28, 1936
Drop us a line if you have any questions, stories, photos or artifacts you wish to donate or share with the society.
We would love to hear from you.
E-Mail: [email protected]
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